Home / Sports / UFC Debut Lost to Mat Burn: Rosas' Contract Gone
UFC Debut Lost to Mat Burn: Rosas' Contract Gone
16 Aug
Summary
- Jessie Rosas removed from UFC despite never fighting.
- A potential herpes diagnosis, later revealed as mat burn, cancelled his debut.
- Five other fighters, including Hailey Cowan and Cody Gibson, were also released.
Jessie Rosas, a 23-year-old Mexican featherweight, has been removed from the UFC roster, marking a unique departure as he never entered the Octagon. His scheduled debut at UFC Vegas 120 against Miles Johns was cancelled when doctors initially flagged a spot on his forehead as a potential herpes infection, leading to his removal for medical reasons.
Although the condition was later determined to be a mat burn, the opportunity for Rosas was lost. This unfortunate event adds to a challenging career, as he had previously withdrawn from another fight shortly before it began. His situation is compounded by the fact that he is part of a fighting family, with his brother Raul Rosas Jr. already in the UFC.
Rosas' release comes amid a larger roster adjustment, with Hailey Cowan, Bekzat Almakhan, Cody Gibson, Shayilan Nuerdanbieke, and Stewart Nicoll also being removed from the promotion. While some of these fighters had accumulated losses, Rosas' situation is particularly frustrating due to his lack of Octagon experience within the UFC.
With prospects constantly vying for contracts on Dana White's Contender Series, roster spots are highly competitive. For Rosas, the path back may require rebuilding his career outside the UFC, but the possibility of a second chance remains open.
